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Particular aim of the Buddha’s teaching is liberation: His Holiness Vol. 03, Issue 122, Print Issue 46, 15 December 2014 Tibet’s spiritual leader arrives in Rome to attend world peace summit

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His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is the life and soul of Tibet: Sikyong

A Voice For Tibet Bi-monthly

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7 billion people must work together to create a more equal world

By Erika Hepburn: December 15, 2014

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to journalists on his arrival in Rome, Italy on December 11, 2014. Photo/Paolo Tosti

By Tracey Son: December 13, 2014

Dharamshala: - The spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama has arrived in Rome to attend the 14th World Summit of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates.

He was received at the airport by Enzo Cursio, the Vice President of the Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates and Ngodup Dorjee, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Central and Eastern Europe.

About 150 Tibetans and Tibetan friends welcomed His Holiness at Hotel Boscolo with Tibetan traditional welcome offerings; 10 of them were media people.

When asked about the violent conflicts taking place in several parts of the world in the name of religion, His Holiness replied: “Although conflict on political or economic grounds is at least understandable on some level, violence in the name of religion is unthinkable.”

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Tibet issue raised in the UK Parliament on int’l Human Rights Day

Dharamshala: - Speaking at final session of the 14th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates which was held in Rome, Italy, the 12th, 13th & 14th December 2014, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet said that “the 7 billion people in the world must all work to create a happier and more equal world.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived to the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome on 12 December for the 14th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. This year’s summit had three sessions, ending on 14 December, and was dedicated to the memory of Nelson Mandela.

At the first session, the Mayor of Rome recalled that Mandela was made an honorary citizen of Rome in 1987, while he was still imprisoned. He quoted Mandela, “A winner is simply a dreamer who never gave up.”

The Mayor, Prof Marino, summed up the theme of this year’s meeting by declaring a need for the globalization of human rights.

Co-chair of the summit and former Mayor of Rome, Walter Veltroni, elaborated on this by saying that peace is a human right for everyone and is a necessary precondition of all other human rights. She stated that everyone has a right not to be killed and a responsibility not to kill. Veltroni also urged Pope Francis to replace the theory of ‘just war’ with one of peace.

The theme of the first session of discussions was “Living Peace, Living Democracy,” which reflected on 20 years of democracy in South Africa. Patricia de Lille, the only South African able to attend the meeting, spoke on South Africa and how the country has changed.

She first apologized on behalf of the people of South Africa for the behavior of their government that had led to the summit’s venue being moved to Rome. She affirmed that there is no peace without justice and looked forward to working to preserve the ideals for which Mandela strove.

The theme of the second session was “Living Peace for Human Development,” and focused on threats to sustainable human development. It was moderated by Yalda Hakim, correspondent with BBC World, and His Holiness was invited to explain how peace is more than an absence of war.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and fellow Nobel Peace Laureates meeting with members of the press at the conclusion of the 14th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome, Italy on December 14, 2014. Photo/Paolo Tosti

“Peace or violence is ultimately related to our emotions. The demarcation between violence and non-violence lies here in the heart. If we have genuine concern for others, then naturally we defend their rights and our actions become non-violent. So long as we are motivated by anger and fear, the opposite will be true.”

His Holiness spoke on the importance of focusing more on the sameness of human beings rather than superficial differences like nationality, race, color, social class, and level of education.

He spoke with urgency on the topic of changing the world’s education system, “At present the education system and our way of life are very materialistic with little attention paid to inner values.” He said that while religion works for some, there are many who do not have a religion; thus necessitating a “secular

approach to promoting basic human values.”

He closed this speech by pointing out the responsibility of the 21st century generation to build a better world. This could be done, he advised, by taking a secular approach: using common sense, common experience, and scientific evidence. He said we can change ourselves, our way of thinking and our engagement with the world through consistent education. Lastly, he insisted that his words are not just unrealistic idealism, but that they are the only way to a peaceful world.

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Commemoration of a Tibetan sholar’s life time contribution

Tibetan political prisoner serving a 15-year prison sentence dies

Following the debate, Mr Hamilton spoke to Tibet supporters who had attended the debate. Photo: Tibet Society UK

By Tracey Son: December 14, 2014

Dharamshala: - Members of Parliament of the United Kingdom debated the issue of Tibet and freedom of expression in the House of Commons on International Human Rights Day, 10 December, highlighting the ongoing repression and the condition of Tibetan political prisoners.

“During the debate, the UK government’s policy on Tibet and its relationship with China was criticised. The government’s response was considered ‘weak’, offering no indication it was willing to take a more robust approach on Tibet and human rights, and worryingly seemed to use language that would appease, or even pander to, the Chinese government,” said Tibet Society, a Tibet support group based in London, UK. P-2...

Seminar in commemoration of the late educationist Tashi Tsering’s life-time contribution was held in Dharamshala, India, on December 14, 2014. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo

By Yeshe Choesang: December 14, 2014

Dharamshala: - A seminar was held in Dharamshala, India, on December 14, 2014, in commemoration of the late educationist Tashi Tsering’s life-time contribution.

The seminar was organized by Library of Tibetan Works and Archives and Association of Tibetan Writers.

The event was graced by Kalon Ngodup Tsering Education Minister of CTA and and attended by an audience of about 60 scholars, including researchers, writers and journalists.

Nine leading NGOs urged Obama to voice rights violation

65 Years of torture in Tibet: UN declares ‘Every day is Human Rights Day’

By Yeshe Choesang: December 13, 2014

Tenzin Choedak who died while still serving his prison sentence. Photo: Media File

By Erika Hepburn: December 08, 2014

The logo for Human Rights Day 2014 and hashtag rights365. Credit: UN/OHCHR

By Yeshe Choesang: December 10, 2014

Dharamshala: - Marking the 66th International Human Rights Day, thousands of Tibetans in exile and their supporters gathered in Dharamshala to remember and honor all of those who lost their lives fighting for their basic human rights and freedom for their countrymen and women. Because they continued to face arbitrary arrest, repression, torture, intimidation, imprisonment in the last 65 years.

“Today is also International Human Rights Day, commemorating the United Nations’ 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as P-5 ...

Dharamshala: - Tibetan political prisoner, Tenzin Choedak, died at 1 pm on 5 December after serving nearly six years of a 15year sentence at the Chushur Prison near downtown Lhasa City.

However, due to increased beating and torture during the past six years, his chances of survival became slim. So he was released and handed over to his family on 2 December 2014.

The Lhasa City Public Security Bureau detained Choedak in April 2008 under the charge that he was one of the ringleaders for the March 2008 protest in Lhasa City. He was then fined 10,000 yuen and sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Lhasa Peoples Intermediate Court that September.

Choedak was severely beaten and tortured during his imprisonment, and his condition worsened about a month ago, according to Gyal, at which time he was moved to Lhasa People’s Hospital. “He was

seen extremely weak and thin with dark complexion throwing up blood. He had to be supported to walk and placed on the bed. He could not even recognize people known to him,” Tsering Gyal, TCHRD, told the Tibet Post International.

Despite his deteriorating health, Choedak remained shackled and escorted by four guards when hospitalized by the authorities.

“When the family members complained [about] his state of health in comparison to...when he was taken to prison, the authorities moved him to another hospital,” Tsering Gyal said. The doctors all agreed he would not survive much longer.

During this time, his family requested his release but were denied by police who claimed they did not have the authority. Choedak was finally released on 2 December--after the family appealed with the support of the local village committee--only to die three days later, said Tsering Gyal.

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Dharamshala: - A Tibetan man has been sentenced to a one-and-a-half years’ imprisonment on charges of encouraging a group of Tibetan students to abide by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice concerning ‘Dolgyal’ or ‘Shugden,’ a controversial deity.

‘Jamyang Tsering, 77, was handed a one-and-a-half year term in early December by a court in Dzogang county in Chamdho, eastern Tibet,’ sources told Tibet Post International, adding: ‘He is currently being held in the county detention center pending transfer to a jail in Chamdho.’

According to the sources, ‘his relatives are worried about his health as he suffers from abdominal disorders, diabetes, and high blood pressure.’

‘He has said he did nothing wrong and has no regrets.

His only concern is for his wife, who is 86 and was left behind in Lhasa after he was detained,’ the sources added.

Tsering, a native of Chamdho, was taken into custody in early June after encouraging a group of Tibetan students from Chamdho visiting the Tibetan capital Lhasa to follow the wishes and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to always “hold to their pride in being Tibetan,” the source further said.

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Editorial:

Everyday is Human Rights Day: New hope for Tibetans in Tibet?

December 15, 2014

Dharamshala: - International Human Rights Day passed few days ago with a very meaningful message of the United Nations for the whole world, whole year, and specially for those who never had the opportunity to enjoy the real human rights. This year’s official slogan is “Human Rights 365,” which underscores the new idea with new hopes that every day is a human rights day.

On December 10, the people of Tibet once again placed a great hope in the United Nations, as well all other UN Member States in commemorating this year’s International Human Rights Day. Because, the theme of the 2014 Human Rights Day which projects the new idea that every day of the year should be a human rights day that “each one of us, everywhere, at all times is entitled to the full range of human rights.”

We are in the 21st century, we remind the 7 billion human beings that sixty-six years ago, on December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as an expression of the aspirations of the people of the world regarding human rights as they all are born free and equal in dignity.

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” still remained the very powerful opening words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which promises all the economic, social, political, cultural and civil rights that underpin a life free from want and fear.

On the other hand, the stories of human rights violations, including torture are being widely discussed not in the peace-loving countries but the United Nations, where Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad AlHussein have strongly and specifically urged the global community, including the authoritarian regimes to respect human rights “every day of the year.”

Whether practical or theoretical, this time it appears to have a strong sense based on true commitment to promote world peace- an effectiveness-implementation to uphold not only human dignity and equality for all, but sense of bringing new hopes and dreams for the freedom of expression which is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

However, after more than 60 years of violent oppression of Tibetan people, the Chinese government continued its hardline policies in Tibet, restricting freedoms and basic human rights, have intensified Tibetan grievances and exacerbated the resentment felt across the region.

Despite continued protests and international criticism, Chinese authorities continued to commit serious human rights abuses in Tibet, Eastern Turkistan and China.

The grave human rights violations in Tibet—including torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, house arrest, detention without public trial, repression of religious freedom, and arbitrary restrictions on freedom of movement are still alive and considered as a legacy of former Chinese dictators.

Just two days before International Human Rights Day, a top Chinese official in Brussels made a remark that clearly shows that China does not agree human rights are universal, but rather a “right to development and survival,” — further damaging the traditional definition of human rights.

“The EU and China shared similar views in some areas, and disagreed in others. One thing they disagreed on was the definition of human rights,” Mr Li Junhua from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC said at a joint press-conference on Dec. 8, 2014 after the one-day EUChina Human Rights Dialogue held in Brussels.

Speaking on the definition of human rights, Li said “From the EU perspective, I think the human rights are very much focused on the civil liberties, the right of government, but in China, we’re talking about the right to development and the right to survival.”

International Human rights organizations however paint a completely different picture. In Human Rights Watch’s 2014 world report, it said, “The government remains an authoritarian one-party state. It places arbitrary curbs on expression, association, assembly, and religion; prohibits independent labor unions and human rights organizations; and maintains Party control over all judicial institutions.”

Reporters Without Borders ranks China 175 out of 180 countries, for freedom of the press and Amnesty International calls China an “authoritarian state” as does the U.S. State Department and the EU. “On Human Rights Day we speak out,” UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki- moon said in his message to mark the Day. “We declare that human rights are for all of us, all the time: whoever we are and wherever we are from; no matter our class, our opinions, our sexual orientation.”

Three years after the United Nations was founded, the General Assembly laid the cornerstone of contemporary human rights law: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, intended as a “common standard of achievement for all peoples.”

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted on Dec. 10, 1948, the day now observed worldwide as

International Human Rights Day. Its 30 articles spell out basic civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights that all human beings in every country should enjoy.

“Violations of human rights are more than personal tragedies,” the secretary-general further said. “They are alarm bells that may warn of a much bigger crisis.”

As a result of those “alarms,” Mr Ban said his Human Rights Up Front campaign, launched in 2013, sought to anticipate violations before they degenerate into mass atrocities or war crimes while advancing the struggle against injustice, intolerance and extremism.

In his statement issued for the Day, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the UN high commissioner for human rights, echoed Ban’s appeal and underscored the power of the Universal Declaration to “change the world.”

“The power of the Universal Declaration is the power of ideas to change the world. It tells us that human rights are essential and indivisible – 365 days a year. Every day is Human Rights day: a day on which we work to ensure that all people can gain equality, dignity and freedom”.

“Human rights are not country-specific,” Zeid further said. “They are not a reward for good behavior or particular to a certain era or social group. They are the inalienable entitlements of all people, at all times and everywhere, 365 days a year.”

“Together, we must demand what should be guaranteed: our human rights, universal, indivisible, inalienable, for everyone.” Zeid added.

“The UN Human Rights Office stands with the millions of people around the world whose voices are denied,” Zeid said, as he called on the public to join OHCHR “via social media or in person.”

In exile, the Central Tibetan Administration, with support from the many peace loving governments, parliaments and other partners, has further integrated these rights into practical manners, as well as more coordination with Tibetan NGOs, such as the Tibetan Women’s Association.

In the words of Sikying Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected political leader of Tibetans, “Unfortunately, even 66 years after the proclamation, Tibetans have very little to celebrate.

Instead, China consistently negates the provisions of the declaration, and human rights standards in Tibet continue to deteriorate. Tibet is still under occupation and the Tibetan people suffer political repression, economic marginalization, social discrimination, environmental destruction and cultural assimilation.”

On that day, the whole world marked International Human Rights Day during the same day that the people of Tibet commemorated the 25th anniversary of the day His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his commitment to world peace, justice and freedom and his consistent resistance to the use of violence in his people’s struggle to regain their liberty.

“Violations have been prevented. Independence and autonomy have been attained. Many people – though not all – have been able to secure freedom from torture, unjustified imprisonment, summary execution, enforced disappearance, persecution and unjust discrimination,” Zeid al-Hussein further said in statement.

But, Tibetans live in a place where they are constantly faced with Chinese hardline policies, surrounded by political repression, economic marginalization, social discrimination, environmental destruction and cultural assimilation. Tibet, an Asian nation where all persons are supposedly born free and equal in dignity and rights, but actually nothing is free even after 65 years, which they therefore have reason to believe that a world where the fundamental human rights are only enshrined on paper but never enjoyed.

The UN and international communities must reflect on how far they still must go to meet their promise and ensure that the inalienable human rights of all people are respected— while addressing the human rights violations wherever and whenever they take place, without a fear of political and economic pressure, because “Everyday is Human Rights Day.” The UN, however, reminds us again on the need to rededicate our efforts to protect human rights for all, and play our respective roles in advancing the struggle against injustice, intolerance and extremism.

As our elders have done in the past more than sixty years, the younger generation of Tibetans must continue to stand behind the Tibetans inside Tibet and their aspirations, to ensure the respect and promotion of human rights for all.

This will also entail hard working with the international community and NGOs, governments, Tibet Support Groups and the other peace loving people in addressing the human rights abuses in Tibet and anywhere in the world, reinforcement of political participation and more empowerment of civil society organizations.

Keep in mind that human rights are universal and we can change attitudes to create a happier and more equal world, let us not think about human rights only today because “Everyday is Human Rights Day,” all the 365 days of the year!

OPINION

The Tibet Post International

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is the life and soul of Tibet: Sikyong

By Yeshe Choesang,: December 11, 2014

Dharamshala: - Celebrating the Silver jubilee celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize and International Human Rights Day, the Tibetan political leader (Sikyong) Dr Lobsang Sangay said that “His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is the life and soul of Tibet and the Tibetan people.”

Shri Virbhadra Singh, Hon’ble chief minister of Himachal Pradesh as Chief Guest joined thousands of Tibetans and Tibet supporters in celebrating the 66th International Human Rights Day and the 25th anniversary of the award of the Nobel peace prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the main Tibetan Temple in McLeod Ganj hill town, on Wednesday, December 10, 2014.

Speaking at the launch of the Himalayan International Festival-2014 in Dharamshala to the special occasion, the Chief Minister said: “Tibetans are an inseparable part of our family for the people of Himachal. We want them to flourish and will always be on their side.”

Expressing his happiness for the invitation and paid his deep reverence to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the chief minister said that his family has had a long relationship with the Tibetan people since the time of the 5th Dalai Lama of Tibet.

“It is sad that all centres of religious faith and monastic institution in Tibet remain under tight restrictions and we wish for the success of efforts of the Dalai Lama for the liberation of Tibet,” he added.

Closing his speech with best wishes for a quick resolution of the Tibet issue, he said His Holiness is a symbol of a true spiritual guru, who works for the Tibetan people.

Among the several guests who attended the event were, Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma, CPS Shri Nand Lal, MLAs Mohan Lal Bragta and Ravi Thakur and vice-chairman of Tourism Board Vijai Singh Mankoita.

In his welcome speech for the occasion, Dr Lobsang Sangay said that the celebration was not only for the Tibetans in-exile but for the Tibetans in Tibet as well.

Observing 2014 as the year of Gratitude to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Sikyong said that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is the life and

soul of Tibet and the Tibetan people.

Sikyong mentioned that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) takes pride in its democratic form of administration, a legacy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s leadership.

Sikyong reiterated that the “Middle Way Approach”, the official policy of the CTA to resolve the issue of Tibet, is a win-win solution for both China and Tibet, and the best way to solve Tibet’s issue is to have dialogue with the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

As 10 December is also marked as the International Human Rights Day, Sikyong, on behalf of the CTA, prayed for the Tibetans inside Tibet. He also reiterated that the Chinese govt. should release Tibetan political prisoners.

Sikyong expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the people and government of India for their continued support to Tibet including the recent announcement of Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014.

Mr Penpa Tsering, the Speaker of Tibetan Parliament also expressed his deep gratitude and sincere thanks to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh for his gracious presence and the people of the state for their support.

The speaker said that, “His Holiness the 14th Dalai

Fabian Hamilton MP led the debate and outlined the main issues of concern on freedom of expression in Tibet. He also highlighted the political prisoner cases of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and imprisoned Tibetan musicians Lolo, Kalsang Yarphel and Pema Rigzin. Mr Hamilton noted, “There is no doubt that the Chinese government use a mix of systematic oppressive measures, propaganda and disinformation to stifle free expression and to present a positive image of their actions in Tibet to the outside world.”

Mr Hamilton called on the UK government “to challenge China’s policies in Tibet, in particular where the Chinese government are flouting international standards on human rights and civil liberties” and to “strengthen policies towards China and Tibet, and to be more robust, with a clear stance and directive regarding human rights, civil society and democratic rights”.

Tim Loughton MP added, “The climate within the Tibetan autonomous region can be likened to that of a military occupation.” Mr Loughton called on the UK to be a “critical friend” of China, and stressed the need for “transparency of dialogue” with China.

He said, “When speaking freely in the House [of Commons], we must say loud and clear that the Tibetan people’s struggle is a struggle for democracy and free speech in which all of us have an interest.”

Kate Hoey MP noted the threat the Chinese government’s Confucius Institutes have on freedom of speech in the UK and around the world. Ms Hoey called on the government to take a tougher stance with China on the issues of Tibet and human rights and asked, “What dreadful thing would the Chinese government have to do in order for our government to start standing up to China?”

Jim Shannon MP referred to religious persecution in Tibet, saying it is “politically motivated and consciously implemented [by the Chinese government] as a policy to realise political aims.” He said, “We must do all that we can... to persuade China to change its oppressive ways in its bid for political support.”

Martin Horwood MP noted the Tibetans’ peaceful approach to seeking a solution continues to be “met with incredibly aggressive language and a heavy-handed and oppressive response from the Chinese authorities”. He also questioned whether the UK’s policy on China was “too focused on trade, investment and the economic benefits” and asked, “Do we need a more sophisticated and developed policy towards China?”

The opposition responded via Kerry McCarthy, calling on the government to raise Tibet “as an issue of concern” in all forms of engagement with

China. Ms McCarthy added the government needs a “more strategic engagement that allows the UK to raise human rights concerns and to meet the Dalai Lama without fear of being frozen out”.

Foreign Minister Hugo Swire began his response by acknowledging the issue of Tibet deserved more attention and suggested a further debate. Mr Sire also confirmed that the case of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche had been raised with Beijing and urged “consideration of parole on medical grounds”.

However, the rest of Mr Swire’s response lacked real conviction and detail. Mr Swire reiterated the government’s policy of recognising Tibet “as part of the People’s Republic of China,” adding, “We do not support Tibetan independence.”

Mr Swire noted that the UK had raised human rights issues during the UK-China human rights dialogue, at the United Nations, through the EU and in the Foreign Office annual human rights report. However, there was no detail as to what had been raised and, more importantly, China’s response to these concerns.

In response to criticism on the UK’s trade policy with China, Mr Swire said he “utterly rejects” the notion that “there is a binary choice between human rights and investment in doing trade with China.” Such a statement seemed to indicate a lack of understanding of the asks being made, i.e. to integrate human rights measures into trade deals.

Mr Swire referenced the UK’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights saying, “Our overseas business risk guide for China provides information on key risks, including human rights risks.” Perhaps unsurprisingly, he neglected to mention the guide’s current lack of substantial information regarding the human rights situation in Tibet.

Following the debate, Fabian Hamilton met with Tibetans and supporters in attendance. Supporters aired their frustration at the government’s response calling it “weak” and an “exercise in PR”.

“Tibet Society welcomes the government’s call for medical parole for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and for acknowledging the need for further debate on Tibet within Parliament. However, Tibet Society is disappointed at the lack of any substantial move towards strengthening policy towards Tibet. We are also concerned that the government’s response contained language that may have been aimed to appease or pander to the Chinese government,” the group said in a statement.

“Tibet Society will work with Mr Hamilton and other supportive MPs to follow up on matters raised and will continue to press the UK government for a more robust and substantial policy towards Tibet and human rights.”

Shri Virbhadra Singh with top CTA officials during the ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 10 December 2014. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo

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Lama is the true legacy of Ahimsa, laid by the great Mahatma Gandhi.”

Shri Vijai Singh Mankoita also spoke at the occasion. He said that, “around 230 artists from the different parts of the Himalayas, including Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan will participate in the two-day cultural programme, while CTA has invited cultural performers from the Republic of Kalmykia, Mangolia and Bhutan.”

He said it is a matter of great pride to have His Holiness the Dalai Lama reside in Mcloed Ganj, Himachal Pradesh. He also thanked His Holiness the Dala Lama for his love towards India and the world at large. He called His Holiness the Dalai Lama an apostle of peace, not only for the Tibetan people, but also for the entire mankind.

During the event, the chief guest and top CTA officials have launched several new books – including “His Holiness the Great XIV Dalai Lama and Tibetan Democracy A Tribute,” “His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama – Souvenir,” “Tibet Policy Journal,” “Voice Of An Exiled Tibetan,” “How Nonviolent Struggle Works” (Tibetan Version), and a new book whose title roughly translates as “Lost Country: Happiness and Suffering of A Father and His Son.”

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He drew on the example of India’s long-standing tradition of tolerance and non-violence where the world’s major religious traditions have lived side by side in harmony for centuries. Rome’s mayor offered to host the summit on behalf of Cape Town after it was announced in September that the event would be cancelled.

Previous delays in dealing with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visa requests by the African National Congressled government has angered South Africans who saw it as a betrayal of the country’s commitment to human rights since apartheid ended 20 years ago.

South African Nobel peace laureate Desmond Tutu criticised his government for denying His Holiness the Dalai Lama access to the summit in Cape Town.

Mr Tutu said he was “ashamed to call this lickspittle bunch my government”.

South Africa denied His Holiness the Dalai Lama permission to attend the summit to avoid angering communist China, which accuses the spiritual leader as a campaigner for independence for his country.

“The summit is the most inspirational and largest annual event in the field of peacemaking. It aggregates panel discussions among Nobel peace laureates and representatives of the leading international organizations, media, business and government in open forums,” the Summit organiser said in a statement.

“It gives the opportunity for group and individual meetings with high-profile leaders from around the globe,” the statement said, adding, “It has dedicated student’s workshops organized in collaboration with international organizations and Nobel peace Laureates.”

According to the World Summits of Nobel Peace Laureates, “the history of the annual Summits dates back to 1999, the year marking the first Summit held in Rome at the initiative of the Gorbachev Foundation, an international NGO found by the former leader of the USSR. “ “Since then, the Summits have gained importance as a venue for exchanging opinions and as an event promoting international peace campaigns and initiatives and well as developing concrete proposals to tackle the planet’s emergencies for a world without violence,” it added. “Each year, the Summits are attended by Nobel Peace Prize Laureates and prominent global figures, who are active in the social, scientific, political and cultural areas,” it further said.

Tibet News 15 December 2014 3 His Holiness won the hearts and minds of the people: TPiE Speaker Minister meets Tibetan community and French politicians in France visit He said: “Since the invasion and occupation of The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

Mr Penpa Tsering delivers the statement of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile on the 25th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in Dharamsala, India, on 10 December 2014. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo

By Yeshe Choesang,: December 10, 2014

Dharamshala: – Speaking on behalf of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPIE), the Speaker Penpa Tsering said “Today is an outstanding day marking twenty-five years since His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the supreme protector of all Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, their guide, and a champion of world peace, having been awarded the globally acclaimed Nobel Peace Prize.’

Mr Tsering made the speech amidst Tibetan celebrations for World Human Rights Day, which falls on December 10, the day on which His Holiness the Dalai Lama received the universally acclaimed Nobel Peace Prize.

“Undaunted by the enormity of the difficulties of time and circumstances, His Holiness remains resolute in devoting his unimaginably exceptional deeds of body, speech and mind for the benefit of others – benefits which are freely availed by all sentient beings across the universe for their happiness and well being.”

The speaker said twenty-five years ago on this day, in the year 1989, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was presented the Nobel Peace Prize. “His Holiness was awarded this globally acclaimed peace prize because he relied solely on non-violent means based on the noble teachings of Buddhism and the profound thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in his actions which were designed to benefit others in general and, especially, to revive or, as the case may be, preserve and promote the globally beneficial Tibetan people and their culture in the course of his efforts to seek a just end to the Tibetan issue.”

“Likewise, by viewing things from the long term perspective of benefiting the attainment of mutual accommodation, friendship, fairness, and compassion across the world, His Holiness achieved appreciable results in his attempts to address international disputes and through his assumption of responsibilities to promote human rights and protect the environment. For these admirable efforts and accomplishments, which are an ongoing endeavour, His Holiness won the hearts and minds of the people of this world and the Nobel Peace Committee rightly awarded its acclaimed Peace Prize to him,” he said.

In particular, His Holiness continues to make efforts to bring about inter ligious harmony and solidarity on the basis of the followers of the different religions remaining true to their particular faiths. He also continues to promote through lectures and other means the concept of secular ethics and to build on his initiative of carrying out a dialogue between Buddhism and modern science as a part of his special interests. For his multitude of deeds and accomplishments which have earned him – and continue to earn him – enormous number of awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, we can all be justly happy and proud,” the speaker added.

“This year, which mark twenty-five years since he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the Nobel Peace Committee of Norway especially invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama to an unprecedented ceremony to commemorate the event and to pay compliments to him. This was a clear recognition once again of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his continuing efforts to champion the cause of global peace.

“Earlier this year, many awardees were scheduled to gather in South Africa to hold a major summit of Nobel Peace laureates. However, in an action resembling the bullying of a humble person who had no protection, the Government of South Africa refused to grant a visa for His Holiness the Dalai Lama.” He continued: “As a result, many Nobel Peace laureates took a firm stand in support of him and for the just cause that he embodied. As a result, the summit had to be suspended. On behalf of all Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, I offer these exceptional and noble persons who offered fruitful support for a just cause infinite gratitude.”

“Even now, His Holiness continues to assume truly numerous responsibilities in his efforts to bring peace, freedom and happiness in this world. Undaunted by personal difficulties, he travels again and again to numerous countries of the East and West, offering profound, yet appropriate and definitely easily digestible messages about kindness and compassion, tolerance, altruism, non-violence and so on with a view to bring about peace, freedom and happiness in this world.

The speaker also expressed congratulation to the winners of this year’s Nobel Peace Prizethe Indian child rights activist Mr. Kailash Satyarthi and the teenaged Pakistani girl Malala Yousafzai. “They were chosen for the award because in this 21st century many children of the world are still not given educational and other opportunities while in some countries and regions girls are denied such opportunities. In this world of today marked by a period of mutual harm and violence caused by fighting and so on, we can but only offer the highest level of praise for the Nobel Peace Prize winners.”

Speaking about Liu Xiaobo who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010. Mr Tsering said: “The government of China, being not happy with his advocacy of human rights, democracy, and so on, put him under arrest and he continues to remain imprisoned to this day. This shows nothing but the Chinese leaders’ determination to continue to strengthen its monopoly on political power by using all their powers.”

The speaker indicted the Chinese leaders for for their continued lip service to the protection of human rights, but in reality they are not at all concerned about the rights of the Chinese people. “We strongly appeal to the Chinese leaders to immediately release people like him who advocate for human rights, democracy and related issues and who continue to suffer torture and persecution in prison. The Chinese leaders must consider enabling these people to enjoy the same rights that all human beings everywhere are entitled to. They also must ensure their all-round well being, if they are to truthfully abide by their commitments to uphold the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other treaties that make up the international bill of human rights.”

Commemorating the World Human Rights Day which is designed to commemorate the protection of human rights, Mr Tsering said, “The Tibetan Parliament in Exile would like to make an appeal to the governments of countries and territories, parliaments, organizations, well known political figures, scholars, and the general public who give great importance to the protection of human rights across this world.’

Tibet, the government of China has carried out massive violations of human rights; countless number of totally innocent Tibetans have been detained and imprisoned and subjected to all manners of unrestrained and limitless persecution and torture, including with endless streams of killing. Such deplorable state of affairs continues today.”

Speaking about human rights and other violations in Tibet, Mr Tsering said that ‘the Chinese president Xi Jinping and other top leaders during a meeting in September said that the fact that China was a multiethnic country was a characteristic feature of the nation, that this was an asset for the country’s progress, that the relationship between the people of China as a whole and that between the different ethnic groups was like that between a big family and the individual members of that family, and that the relationship between the different ethnic nationalities was like that among the different members of the same family. And they expressed opposition to the ideas of great Han chauvinism and narrow nationality-ism. Mr Tsering noted that the Chinese leaders made a great show of being very emphatic in these assertions in their various speeches. “In actual practice, however, the government of China has never entertained any of the suggestions designed to enable the entire Tibetan people to enjoy the kind of genuinely meaning autonomy that is in keeping with the basic features of the constitution of the People’s Republic of China. Rather, it has been firm in its practice of implementing what is nothing less than a policy of colonial subjugation. It bears no mentioning that under it the Tibetan people have been denied their political freedom,” he further said.

“What is more, in the commercially profitable bigger cities and towns of Tibet, ethnic Tibetans have been reduced to a minority, and they have been marginalized and pushed to the fringe areas. And this is still an ongoing process. In addition, there are strong restrictions on the Tibetan people in the exercise of their human rights, in the practice of their religious belief, on their freedom of movement, and in their learning and use of their linguistic heritage.”

In a particularly explicit statement regarding the environment destruction in Tibet, the speaker noted, “Tibet’s environment continues to be subjected to such enormous degrees of destruction that it would be very hard to restore them. In the face of these realities, the above remarks of the Chinese leaders are nothing but naked lies, asserting as true something which is false, and presenting as existing something which does not exist. He said: “They are nothing but empty talks designed to deceive and mislead both the international community and all the different ethnic nationalities of China.”

Speaking about the newly constructed “Zam Hydroelectric power station dam” over the Yarlung Tsangpo river that begun generating electricity, Mr Tsering said: “This project remains a source of great concern due to its potential for inflicting environmental damages in Tibet as well as for causing destructions in the downstream countries of India and Bangladesh. This has become a matter requiring urgent attention and we call on the concerned governments, scholars in the relevant fields and others to show a heightened level of concern over this development.”

Continuing on the focus on the Tibetans inside Tibet, the speech specifically cited the official Tibet Daily newspaper, a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region Committee of the Communist Party of China was convened on the 4th of November to announce a speech by President Xi Jining on the matter of the dispatch of a central inspection team to the region, “That report had said that the campaign to oppose separatism should be strengthened and cadres who harbour fantasies about the 14th Dalai Group, follow the Dalai Group, participate in supporting separatist infiltration sabotage activities, will be strictly and severely punished according to the law and party disciplinary measures.”

“All is despite the fact the government of China is fully in the know that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been seeking – and continues to seek – to resolve the issue of Tibet only through the mutually beneficial middle way proposal. We

By Erika Hepburn: December 09, 2014

Dharamshala: - The Kalon for the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Ms. Dicki Chhoyang, is finishing up a six-day visit to France this week. Her tour began on 4 December in Bordeaux after which she continued to Toulouse, Lavaur and Grenoble. She concludes her trip on 10 December in Paris where she will commemorate the 25th anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize.

The goal throughout her tour is to increase awareness within France and their Tibetan community of the situation in Tibet. In an interview with Emmanuelle Rey of “La Depeche,” Kalon acknowledged France’s great sympathy for Tibet, “It’s important to thank all who have mobilised for our culture. One of the priorities of my tour is to raise awareness among a new audience, to familiarize them with the Middle Way Approach...in order to protect the culture and identity of the Tibetan people...It is also to show the younger generations that non-violence is an effective method, a means from which we will never stray.”

Kalon Dicki Chhoyang has already met with members of the Chinese community at a round table conference where she discussed her opinion on the expansion of the Chinese Outreach programme and the Middle Way Approach of the CTA. “We can be a friend to China and also help to resolve the Tibetan question. We are fighting against the policy of China toward Tibet, not against the Chinese population, which is just as much a victim as we are. Even in France, Chinese students are

kept under surveillance, conditioned, it is hard for them to understand another version,” Kalon said to “La Depeche.”

On 6 December, Kalon was received in Toulouse by local Tibetans, members of Tibetan support groups, and the mayors of Salle sur Garonne and Carbonne-both municipalities which participated in the adoption campaign of Tibetan villages. Despite inclement weather conditions, over a hundred Tibetans and local supporters waited late into the evening to hear Kalon speak. In this speech, Kalon urged supporters to further educate themselves on the Memorandum of Genuine Autonomy for Tibetan People established by the CTA to be more aware of Tibet’s goals and create a more united Tibet to counteract false propoganda from the People’s Republic of China.

The tour also included two visits to important centres of Tibetan Buddhism: Institut Vajra Yogini and the Nalanda Institute where Kalon met with local Tibet supporters and religious leaders. Her interactions with religious leaders focused on the preservation of Tibetan cultural values and ways to teach the importance of the Tibetan language, cultural heritage and distinct identity to young Tibetans.

Lastly, Kalon touched on the ecological issues within Tibet, telling “La Depeche” that the Tibetan struggle today, “Is that of the survival of a people, but it is also a question of environmental ethics: how to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Tibetan Plateau--the source of the rivers that nourish a quarter of the world’s population--how to handle the mineral resources, and how to put an end to the forced settlement of the nomads.”

Kalon Dicki Chhoyang with Mr Philippe Foliot, a member of the French lower house – Assemblee National – and Vice President of the Tibet Group.Photo: CTA/DIIR

therefore feel that the Chinese government is merely using the pretext of campaigning against separatism as an evil ploy to begin a campaign to ruin the careers of Tibetan cadres by using the device of legal measures,” he added.

Response to a report carried by the so called China’s Tibet magazine about the holding of a function in Beijing for the inauguration of a project to make a realistic film about the Tibetan Buddhism’s system for the recognition of reincarnations of tulkus. He said: “The report spoke about the work for the supervision of the system in Tibetan Buddhism for the recognition of the reincarnations of tulkus having now been brought under legal restrictions. It also referred to the fact that in 2007, China’s State Administration of Religious Affairs had issued and announced a set of Regulation on Reincarnation of Living Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism.

The speaker said, “It is therefore patently obvious that by establishing legal regulations in a historically unprecedented action as a means to interfere in the Tibetan Buddhists’ system for the recognition of reincarnations of tulkus, China is simply making political misuse of this sacred religious practice. This is extremely uncalled for and there is no way anyone can accept it. We express absolute protest against it.”

The Parliament statement said: “Since the 27th of September 1987, the general masses of Tibetans in Tibet have continued to carry out successive campaigns of peaceful protests. In particular, since the year 2009, a total of 132 Tibetans of all age groups have felt driven to carry out protest self-immolations, sacrificing their precious lives with an utterly selfless motive to hopefully accomplish something meritorious both for themselves and others.”

“Everyone knows that the compelling mental

pressure which drove all those Tibetans to make this ultimate sacrifice was the brutality beyond all limits with which the human rights of the Tibetan people were trampled on under the repression of China’s armed forces. I take this opportunity to reiterate by way of a further reminder that the leaders of the government of China take full responsibility for this very tragic development,” Mr Tsering added.

He continued: “The unparalleled heroism and determination underlying the deeds and accomplishments of the utterly selfless patriotic men and women in Tibet, both living and dead, will be empathized with and extolled by all Tibetans across the globe. Besides, in order to accomplish the fundamental cause of the Tibetan people, namely the speedy resolution of their just cause, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the incomparable leader of the Tibetan people, and the entire body of Tibetans living in exile will continue to carry out peaceful campaigns that are in addition to the numerous ones that are already being implemented.”

“Along with observing the glorious and victorious day of today, we pledge to keep in the centre of our hearts the peaceful and nonviolent methods that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has shown us through his deeds. On this basis, we will remain motivated to carry out our duties to the best of our capabilities at each individual level so as to be of benefit towards achieving immediate as well as long term objectives both globally in general terms and for Tibet as a whole in particular,” he said.

The speaker closed by expressing his appreciation and gratitude to the people and government of India. He said: “The gratitude we owe to the people of India and their central and state governments for all their help and friendship can never be forgotten.”

CLASSIFIED TPI NEWS 4 Spiritual leader of Tibet com- BHARAT OPTICALS mences teachings to Mongolians

The Tibet Post International

15 December 2014

C OM PU T ERISED EYE TESTING

Dealers in branded frames,

By Tracey Son: December 03, 2014

Dharamshala: - The spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama on December 2, commenced a four-day teaching on Tsongkhapa’s Great Stages of the Path (lamrim chenmo) at the request of a group of Mongolians at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala, India.

On the first day of four day teaching by His Holiness the Dalai Lama which was atteneded by over 4,000 devotees including 700 international visitors from 49 countries, almost 600 Mongolians and about 10 Chinese devotees. The main Tibetan temple had an ambiance of contagious excitement and lively discussions, but as the His Holiness made his way to his seat, the crowd fell into awe and even the powerful chanting faded into the background.

His Holiness begins by acknowledging the similarities in culture and faith in Buddhism between Mongolians and Tibetans and that despite the decline in Buddhism due to the Communist government in the 20th century, faith was not lost.

“Now that there is more freedom to practice religion, His Holiness warns that those who still believe, should not be led by blind faith, but really focus on understanding the Dharma and reasons in self,” Tibet’s spiritual leader said.

“Understanding the Dharma is more than listening to His Holiness speak, reading all the scriptures, or just practicing rituals. You must practice and reflect on the teachings on your own and then apply them in order to truly understand the Dharma.

One must have reflections of the difficult concept of emptiness, taking refuge of the three jewels: Sangha, the Buddha and the Dharma in order to reach the ultimate goal of Nirvana.

“The basis of attaining Buddhahood lies in the ideas of desire and grasping that often lead us to Samsara; a cycle of suffering. Reciting scriptures such as the Heart Sutra can help one understand emptiness such that there is no ‘I’ or ‘self’. Once Buddhahood is attained, those that have seen the path should help others, regardless of others’ conditions, see that same path of wisdom. This allows for uninterrupted consciousness which leads to the path of Nirvana.

“The Buddha’s experience and life can teach us because the Buddha was not born an enlightened

being but rather he had practiced and trained to become one; his body is formed from ten millions of virtues which indicated that attaining Buddhahood is not something that can be done in one’s lifetime, but over several. The belief that finding the path of wisdom and truth would benefit all sentient beings was what inspired the Buddha.”

His Holiness touched on the subject of interreligious harmony that he had discussed a few days ago in New Delhi at the Springdale School, about helping others to understand a universal goal, regardless of their conditions such as those that do not proclaim a faith or those who have faith in a different philosophy.

A 15 minute break was given before the second half of H.H the Dalai Lama’s address that would entail questions and answers.

A question referred to ideas of over-analyzing text, scriptures and practices to such an extent can actually undermine the teachings of the Buddha, therefore it should not be taken so literally. His Holiness also referenced to Dharma and the Bon tradition having similar elements of one another.

Another question was regarding guilt and of a fake reincarnation. The fifth Dalai Lama believed that the fake reincarnation was a result of disrupted prayers and would cause harm to sentient beings.

Another answer of His Holiness included the use to alcohol. It is a substance that is harmful to one’s health and is something that is brought upon ourselves through conscious choice and can induce anger which leads to a creation of suffering.

Lastly, the answer included a few things already discussed by His Holiness—that the Dharma refers to people who only practice rituals to have little knowledge and those who only read scriptures may not make you skilled in actual practice.

He reiterates finding a balance of studying and practicing the Dharma.

His Holiness will confer the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment on the last day December 5th.

The second in the series of four day teachings will continue on December 3rd 2014 in the Main Temple; Dharamshala. A live webcast, followed by translations into English, Mongolian, Chinese, Vietnamese and Russian languages available.

A respected Tibetan village leader was reportedly killed in eastern Tibet

Bachen Gyalwa (C) was reportedly killed when he was in police custody in November 21, 2014 in Driru County. Photo: TPI

By Jane Cook: December 14, 2014

Dharamshala: - A respected Tibetan village leader was reportedly murdered by order of Chinese authorities in Driru county, eastern Tibet, while he was in Chinese police custody.

Bachen Gyalwa, the leader of Ushung village in Driru county’s Gyashoe Yangshok township in eastern Tibet, was killed on November 21 ‘on the orders of the local Chinese authorities,’ Rabten, an exiled Tibetan told the Tibet Post International (TPI)on Tuesday, December 9.

He was reportedly detained last month in the county because of his efforts to promote Tibetan culture and the economic well-being and unity of the Tibetan people.

Gyalwa, also called Ngawang Monlam, had earlier been arrested and expelled from his post to make way for a government-approved village head, the Rabten further said, quoting a source with contacts in the region.

Gyalwa was then killed on the orders of the secretary of the Driru County Party Committee,’ Rabten said.

‘Locals believe that his death, which came while he was under the supervision of Chinese security personnel,’ he added.

Details of the incident were not immediately available. However, Gyalwa had reportedly posed a formidable challenge to the Chinese government’s ongoing ‘stability maintenance’ measures that have been implemented since late 2011, sources added.

TPI learnt that he reportedly worked tirelessly to promote the religious, cultural, educational, social and economic wellbeing and unity of the people of his village.

Tibetan political prisoner ....

Although China was one of the first member states to sign and ratify the UN’s Convention Against Torture in 1986, they have failed to implement it.

Human rights groups have long condemned the torture and inhumane treatment within Chinese prisons, and Choedak’s death serves as yet another confirmation of these conditions.

Choedak dedicated much of his life to human rights and the liberation of Tibet. He previously worked for a European NGO affiliated with the Red Cross, and played an active role in protesting the Chinese occupation of Tibet, which ultimately cost him his life.

His family has also been subjected to harassment and threats, which resulted in Choedak’s father fleeing to India 20 years ago. In 1990, Choedak also came to India where he studied at the TCV school in Dharamshala. He graduated from high

... continued from front page

school and returned to Tibet in 2005 where he began working at an NGO. During the same 2008 protest in Lhasa for which Choedak was imprisoned, his sister Sonam was injured in the shooting and later detained; she suffered severe beatings at the hand of Chinese police. His daughter was also detained and questioned during this uprising, but was eventually released.

Choedak, also known as Tenchoe, died at Mentsekhang, the traditional medical institute in Lhasa, just hours after being admitted, and only three days after being released to his family by prison authorities. He was born in October of 1981 in the Gyabum Gang village located in the northern side of Lhasa city. He is survived by his father Khedup, his mother Passang, his sister Sonam, and his daughter.

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ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Spend time with friends and relatives. Travel for pleasure. Your fun loving approach will be admired and appreciated by others. Your uncanny insight will help you make the right choices. Talking to those you trust and respect will help you sort out any problems.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Your self esteem will benefit. Friends will be loyal and caring. Your need to obtain additional details will lead you into strange topics of conversation.

Channel your energy into projects that will enhance your home. Go with the flow and don’t be concerned about your own job.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Disputes may start because of a lack of honesty.

Colleagues may try to undermine you. You are best not to discuss your personal life with others. Minor health problems will cause setbacks if you haven’t taken proper care of yourself.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will find travel and lectures most stimulating.

If you put your energy into physical outlets you will avoid confrontations. You may blow situations out of proportion when dealing with the one you love. Don’t blow situations out of proportion or you could find that others will misinterpret what really happened.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Avoid boredom by being creative in your endeavors.

Real estate ventures will be to your ad vantage. You will upset your partner if you have spent money on things that aren’t necessary. Your self esteem will benefit. Friends will be loyal and caring.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You may divulge private information without realizing it this month. Don’t jump too quickly if someone tries to make you join in on their crusade. You may have more to do with children this month; keep an open mind.

You’re not your usual self this month.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Your partner may blame you for everything. Don’t push your luck with your boss. Refuse to get involved in idle chatter; it will only make you look bad. Situations in your personal life are moving a little fast lately.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your partner may make you feel jealous and unloved. Positive changes regarding your personal status are evident. Tempers may flare if you haven’t been completely honest about your intentions or your whereabouts. You are best to deal with those outside your family.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Throw yourself into your work. You’re in the mood to do things such as competitive sports, or perhaps a night on the town. Your professional attitude will not go unnoticed. You will be able to enlist the help of colleagues who believe in your ideas.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Take advantage of moneymaking ventures. The locks, stove, gas, or electric wires may not be secure.

It might be time to shake a leg and do a personal makeover. Family may not want to get involved but an entrepreneur will.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Involvement with prestigious organizations will be to your advantage. You can accomplish the most if you travel for business purposes. Lack of cash might be partly to blame for the problems at home.

Residential moves will be in your best interest.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don’t let your emotions take over. Catch up on your reading and correspondence. Involvement in financial schemes will be followed by losses. Don’t settle for less than the best.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

China consistently negates Human Rights standarts in Tibet: Sikyong

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay delivers the statement of Kashag on the 25th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in Dharamsala, India, on 10 December 2014. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo

By Erika Hepburn: December 10, 2014

Dharamshala: - Thousands of Tibetans in exile across the world celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize Day, and marked the 66th International Human Rights Day. Thousands of exiled Tibetans assembled in the main temple to mark the anniversary. The political leader of the Tibetan government in exile, Dr Lobsang Sangay addressed the crowds followed by the speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile, Mr Penpa Tsering.

International Human Rights day was observed on Saturday, 10 December, across the world including the Tibetan community under the theme of “Commemorate Human Rights” against abuse and violations of human values and to mark the anniversary of the presentation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay extended his warmest greetings to fellow Tibetans, friends and wellwishers around the world.

“Today is the Silver Jubilee of the momentous occasion of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.”

Over the past 25 years, His Holiness has unwaveringly continued to confirm and strengthen the ideals of the Nobel Peace Prize. He regards himself as a simple Buddhist monk and continues to prove himself to be a shining beacon of peace, non-violence and compassion to millions of people across the world.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has travelled the five continents, meeting presidents, prime ministers, religious heads, kings, scientists, academics, youths, ordinary citizens, the poor and the underprivileged.

He has been lauded with 151 major awards and honours. Even fellow Nobel Peace Laureates refer to him as a “Super Laureate.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s unswerving pursuit of a non-violent resolution to the issue of Tibet, based on dialogue and mutual benefit, has dramatically advanced the cause. Global citizens of conscience for Tibet have grown from a handful of small groups to a strong international campaign for human rights for Tibetans.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama promotes a mutually beneficial solution for the problem of Tibet, which takes into account the prevailing international environment and China’s domestic position. With the adoption of the Middle-Way Approach, more than 20 contacts and consultations were made with the Chinese government from 1979 till formal contacts came to an end in 1993. When talks resumed in 2002, nine formal rounds of dialogue and one informal consultation were held between the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the concerned PRC officials. The Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People sought genuine autonomy within the framework of the Chinese Constitution.

It is ironic that just recently, the Chinese government chose to designate December 4th as National Constitution Day to advance the Rule of Law and promote the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China. If the Chinese government really deems the Constitution important, then it must put the document into practice and grant the Tibetan people the genuine autonomy it promises.

The Middle Way Approach has enabled open support from governments and parliaments across the world.

Many Chinese scholars and academics have also conveyed their support for the just cause of Tibet...

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) remains steadfastly committed to the Middle Way Approach.

One of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s greatest contributions to and legacies for the Tibetan people has been in building the institution of democracy in exile.... Over the past 25 years, major milestones along this road have included the election of the Kalons by the parliament in 1990, the adoption of the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile in 1991, the first direct election for Kalon Tripa in 2001, and most recently in 2011, the devolution of all political authority by His Holiness the

Dalai Lama to the directly elected leader.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the life and soul of Tibet and the Tibetan people. The 14th Kashag announced the observation of 2014 the “Year of Gratitude to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.”

It is an appeal to all elder Tibetans to engage with young Tibetans in retelling the story of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s life, so that his legacy, vision and mission will be etched in the hearts and minds of Tibetans for generations to come.

Other Peace Laureates have also been successful in turning their efforts and aspirations into actual achievements. The Nobel Peace Laureates summit previously scheduled in South Africa was cancelled due to the boycott of the summit by other Laureates when a visa was denied to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We appreciate and welcome the summit now being held in Rome.

Today is also International Human Rights Day. China consistently negates the provisions of the declaration, and human rights standards in Tibet continue to deteriorate. Tibet is still under occupation and the Tibetan people suffer political repression, economic marginalization, social discrimination, environmental destruction and cultural assimilation.

Countless demonstrations in Tibet since the Tibetan National Uprising of 1959 have called for human rights and basic freedoms for Tibetans. It is worth noting that, in 2008, the demonstrations spread to all regions where Tibetans reside, indicating that all Tibetans are united and share the same aspirations. It also showed the relevance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s aim to bring all Tibetans under a single autonomous administration.

The 132 self-immolations also include Tibetans of all ages and walks of life. An anonymous testimony by the survivor of a self-immolation protest reads: ‘Compared to other countries, we don’t have freedom of religious belief, freedom of speech, and our spiritual leader cannot return home. The restrictions are ongoing. I was unable to bear the suffering of living under Chinese aggression, so I thought about a self-immolation protest.’

Today, we pray for those who have sacrificed their lives for basic freedom and human rights in Tibet. We hope for their speedy release and stand alongside them in their aspirations.

All the achievements of Tibetan refugees in reconstructing a cohesive and strong community would not have been possible without the constant support of India and we deeply thank all the citizens and Government of India. We especially value the recently announced Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy [of] 2014. We also wish to thank all Indian state governments, especially the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh, for hosting the CTA. Finally, we also express our deep gratitude to all friends of Tibet and well-wishers across the globe.

We end today with fervent prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long and healthy life. May all his wishes be fulfilled, including all Tibetans been united together in our homeland.

15 December 2014

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Human rights situation of Tibet discussed during EU-China Dialogue

By Yeshe Choesang: December 11, 2014

Dharamshala: - The European Union raised the issue with China of the denial of human rights in Tibet during the 33rd round of the EU-China Dialogue on Human Rights.

The one-day meeting held in Brussels, on 8 December discussed the rights of minorities especially in Tibet and Xinjiang.

In a statement issued on December 9, the EU said: “The Dialogue allowed the two sides to have a detailed exchange of views on a wide range of human rights issues, with a specific focus on recent developments in China.”

According to the EU statement, “Freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, the due process of law, arbitrary detention, and the death penalty were discussed between the EU and Chinese officials.”

Also the imprisonment of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, Uyghur scholar Ilham Tohti, the Mongolian activist Hada, Nobel Laureate Liu Xiabo, Gao Yu, Pu Zhiqiang, Xu Zhiyong, and Gao Zhisheng were raised at the meeting by the EU officials.

The Chinese delegation also met EU Special Representative Stavros Lambrinidis on December 8. Lambrinidis expressed his concerns regarding the human rights situation in Tibet after visiting Tibet last year.

“I noted worrying trends in key areas of human rights concern, including the heightened monitoring

Gerhard SABATHIL, Director for East Asia and Pacific in the EEAS; Li Junha, Director General for International Organisations and Conferences, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, on December 8, 2014. Photo: EU

and restrictions placed on freedom of expression,” Lambrinidis said after returning from Tibet.

The EU High Representative Federica Mogherini re-emphasized that human rights is universal in her Human Rights Day, 10 December 2014 statement.

She said that the theme for this year’s International Human Rights Day – Human Rights 365 – “reflects the aspiration that each one of us, everywhere, at all times, is entitled to the full range of human rights.”

The EU said that the two co-chairs answered European

and Chinese correspondents’ questions about the dialogue during a joint press conference. “Two further issues specific to this dialogue were discussed: women’s rights and technical cooperation.”

“The exchange about recent developments in the European Union focused on the implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, combating discrimination, racism, xenophobia and incitement to racial hatred, as well as the EU’s Roma strategy,” the statement reads.

65 Years of torture in Tibet: UN declares .... the common standard to measure the freedoms by which all peoples and nations should live,”Sikying Dr Lobsang Sangay said in his statement, adding: “Unfortunately, even 66 years after the proclamation, Tibetans have very little to celebrate.

Instead, China consistently negates the provisions of the declaration, and human rights standards in Tibet continue to deteriorate. Tibet is still under occupation and the Tibetan people suffer political repression, economic marginalization, social discrimination, environmental destruction and cultural assimilation.”

The Tibetan political leader continued: The 132 self-immolations also include Tibetans of all ages and walks of life on the Tibetan plateau. On November 14th this year, an anonymous testimony by the survivor of a self-immolation protest reads: “Compared to other countries,we don’t have freedom of religious belief, freedom of speech, and our spiritual leader cannot return home. The restrictions are ongoing. I was unable to bear the suffering of living under Chinese aggression, so I thought about a self-immolation protest.”

The universal reach of human rights should not be restricted to one day alone but extended to every day of the year, top United Nations officials declared Wednesday as they marked Human Rights Day – an annual UN-backed event commemorating the date on which the General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

7 billion people must work ....

His Holiness was later interviewed by Franco de Mare of RAI television. His Holiness responded to questions about the lack of meeting between him and Pope Francis.

“I feel a little sad,” His Holiness replied, “because I have paid my respects to several other new Popes and I have been eager to meet him. But for now it’s inconvenient, which is understandable. I don’t want to make things more inconvenient. We share an interest in moral values, religious harmony, peace and the relief of the poor. I admire him - that’s all.”

De Mare asked if in giving in to Chinese pressure to deny His Holiness a visa the South African government had put business before values. His Holiness responded that under a materialistic outlook a priority is placed on money. However, money is no guarantor of inner peace.

His Holiness spent much of the second day of the summit giving interviews to major European news outlets and also addressing members of Italian Parliament. “Since 2001 I have been semi-retired,” he told the parliamentarians, “and since 2011 I have completely retired from political responsibility. Now I concern myself only with the preservation of Tibetan culture and spirituality, which is a culture of peace and non-violence, and the protection of the Tibetan environment.”

The final session was held at Giulio Cesar Hall on Rome’s Capitol Hill. Proceedings opened with Ekaterina Zagladina, President of Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, delivering a message from President Mikhail Gorbachev. He expressed concern about ongoing conflicts in the world

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and the neglect of climate change. Amongst his hopes was an appeal for the Ukraine crisis to be settled. He said, “Every Nobel Laureate can contribute to leading us back to the path of peace.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama was on the discussion panel along with Shirin Ebadi, Leymah Gbowee, Betty Williams, Mairead Maguire and Rajendra Pachauri to address the Peace Crisis, particularly warfare in Africa, but also related to conflicts throughout the world.

His Holiness began, “When it comes to Africa, I think you, Mrs Gbowee, know much more about it than me. I have been to South Africa, Nigeria and Gabon and my main impression is of the gap between rich and poor...This gap between rich and poor is not only morally wrong, even from a practical point of view it’s a source of problems.” He concluded that, “The world’s problems cannot be solved by the actions of a few individuals...The 7 billion people in the world must all work to create a happier more equal world.”

After the discussion, Tawakkol Karman stepped forward to present the 2014 World Peace Summit Award to veteran Italian film director Bernardo Bertolucci. Bertolucci entered the hall in his wheelchair and His Holiness the Dalai Lama came down to present him with a white scarf in greeting.

Leymah Gbowee closed the summit by reading the Summit Declaration and reminding everyone that the aim had been to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela She also acknowledged the general sadness that this could not be done in South Africa because the government declined to grant His Holiness a visa.

Spearheaded by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), this year’s observance – celebrated under the banner of Human Rights 365 – encompasses the idea that “every day is Human Rights Day” and that “each one of us, everywhere, at all times is entitled to the full range of human rights.”

On Human Rights Day we speak out,” SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon said in his message. “We declare that human rights are for all of us, all the time: whoever we are and wherever we are from; no matter our class, our opinions, our sexual orientation.”

“Violations of human rights are more than personal tragedies,” Mr. Ban continued. “They are alarm bells that may warn of a much bigger crisis.

The Secretary-General explained that as a result of those “alarms,” his Human Rights Up Front campaign – launched in 2013 – sought to anticipate violations before they degenerate into mass atrocities or war crimes while advancing the struggle against injustice, intolerance and extremism.

The Secretary-General said: “On Human Rights Day we speak out. We denounce authorities who deny the rights of any person or group.

“Violations of human rights are more than personal tragedies. They are alarm bells that may warn of a much bigger crisis. I call on states to honour their obligation to protect human rights every day of the year. I call on people to hold their governments to account.”

In his message for the Day, UN Human Rights Chief, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, highlighted the first words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by virtually all UN Member States on 10 December 1948, more than sixty years ago: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

“In perhaps the most resonant and beautiful words

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of any international agreement, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights promises, to all, the economic, social, political, cultural and civil rights that underpin a life free from want and fear,” the High Commissioner stressed. “These human rights are not country-specific. They are not a reward for good behaviour, or particular to a certain era or social group. They are the inalienable entitlements of all people, at all times and everywhere, 365 days a year.”

Zeid recalled that the Declaration is the kernel of the entire international human rights legal system, thanks to which people have “obtained justice for wrongs, and national and international protection for their rights.”

“Violations have been prevented. Independence and autonomy have been attained,” he said. “Many people – though not all – have been able to secure freedom from torture, unjustified imprisonment, summary execution, enforced disappearance, persecution and unjust discrimination, as well as fair access to education, economic opportunities, rich cultural traditions and adequate resources and health-care.”

After more than 60 years of violent oppression of Tibetan people, the Chinese government continued its hardline policies in Tibet, restricting freedoms and basic human rights, have intensified Tibetan grievances and exacerbated the resentment felt across the region. Tibetans have been subjected to harsh ‘patriotic re-education’ programmes and students have been sentenced to harsh prison terms for advocating for the right to use their language, and the friends and families of Tibetans who have self-immolated have been detained and interrogated.

Humans Rights Day is celebrated on 10 December every year in order to address the issue of equality and the fact that every human on earth has the right to live with full dignity and justice.

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Adviser Dr Franz Pahl Former speaker of South Tyrol, Italy Adviser Mr Thomas Kemeil A software engineer, Austria Adviser Mr Shalinder Kumar A professional graphic designer, India Adviser Ven Thupten Yarphel A Tibetan writer, India Editor in Chief Yeshe Choesang Chinese Editor Keary Huang Tibetan Editor Choneyi Sangpo English Editor Tenzin Desal Project Manager Matthew Singh Toor Reporter Dawa Phurbu Photographer Artemas Liu Layout & Design Choneyi Sangpo Circulation Jigme Gyatso

Contributors to this editon

Keary Huang Taiwan Jane Cook UK Sophie Jay India Cameron Hector US Steve Shaw UK Tracey Son US Erika Hepburn US Tenzin Desal India Yeshe Choesang India Choenyi Sangpo India Dawa Phurbu India Jigme Gyatso India Himalayan Literacy Trust Room #, Top Floor, New Varuni House Temple Road, McLeod Ganj: 176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P., India

E-mail: editor@thetibetpost.com Skype: dhardhophonya1959 Mobile: +91-9882423566 www.thetibetpost.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/tpinews

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TPI NEWS

15 December 2014

Back Page Focus

Particular aim of the Buddha’s teaching is liberation: His Holiness

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the first day of his four day teaching at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, HP, India on December 2, 2014. Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu

By Tracey Son: December 06, 2014

Dharamshala: - ‘The achievement of good rebirth is not the specific aim of the Buddha’s teaching, but liberation,’ His Holiness the Dalai Lama said during the final day of his four day teaching for Mongolian devotees.

It was chilly and dark when His Holiness the Dalai Lama reached the Theckchen Chöling Tsuglagkhang this morning to begin preparations for the Chenrezig Gyalwa Gyatso – Avalokiteshvara Jinasagara – empowerment he was going to give. The temple, its surrounding verandas and the garden steadily filled with people until an estimated 5,000 had gathered.

They sat quietly reciting Om mani padme hum as they waited for His Holiness to begin to teach.

Shortly after eight o’clock he took his seat on the

throne. “The teaching of the Buddha is said to include the Perfection Vehicle and the Vehicle of Secret Mantra,” His Holiness began. “In the Perfection Vehicle we develop the awakening mind of Bodhisattva and engage in the practice of the perfections. We follow the five paths and the ten Bodhisattva grounds. The Secret Mantra Vehicle includes other functions, such as the cultivating of great bliss and employing the subtle mind and wind energies. Through these, we attain the body of the Buddha. Nagarjuna said that perfect enlightenment implies attaining the mind and body of one taste. And there is a need to have cultivated that on the level of training. This mind and body of one taste has different names according to different traditions of practice. In Dzogchen they refer to the rainbow body and in the Kalachakra to the body of empty form.”

His Holiness spoke of how many people receive empowerments with the thought of gaining wealth or longevity, or even for the purpose of overcoming their enemies. This reveals a preoccupation with the things of this life. This is not the aim of the teaching of the Buddha. Even the achievement a good rebirth is not the specific aim of the Buddha’s teaching, because this can be achieved by following most religious teachings. The particular aim of the Buddha’s instruction is liberation.

And we will only attain liberation on the basis of an understanding of emptiness.

His Holiness explained that the empowerment he was about to give related to Avalokiteshvara in the context of Highest Yoga Tantra. The lineage derives from Vajradhara, Tilopa, Maitripa and Jangsem Lodro Rinchen. His Holiness said he received it from Trijang Rinpoche, who received it from Tadrag Rinpoche, who was given it by Purchok Jhampa Tsultim Gyatso, tutor to the 12th and 13th Dalai Lamas. The author of this rite wrote that Tibet is a land in the care of Avalokiteshvara, so a Highest Yoga Tantra practice of Avalokiteshvara would be complete.

Towards the end of the session His Holiness gave the reading transmission of a prayer he had written for the swift return of Kalka Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche. The prayer was requested by the Jonangpas and others. He again remarked that he had known the previous Jetsun Dhampa since he was ten years old. When speaking about him the other day, he mentioned that he had encouraged him to take his next birth in Mongolia.

At the end of four days of teaching, three of which focused on the first six chapters of the ‘Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment’, His Holiness concluded: “We’ve come to the end of the teaching; now do the practice. But practice according to your own capacity.

Don’t start out by aiming too high; follow the stages of practice in an orderly manner. Maybe we’ll meet each other again in Mongolia next year.”

Representives to raise Tibet’s climate change impacts at UN talks

A new book on Tibet, “Voice of An Exiled Tibetan” released

By Erika Hepburn: December 12, 2014

Dharamshala: - On 10 December Yeshe Choesang, editor-in-chief of the Tibet Post International (TPI), released his book “Voice of an Exiled Tibetan” at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Dalai Lama’s receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize and the 66th International Human Rights Day. The book is primarily a compilation of articles related to the modern issues facing all Tibetans—at home and in exile—and seeks to serve as a response to how Tibet is portrayed

by China and other outlets.

“These articles came up as a result of different events that affect Tibet or the perception of Tibet in the world. These articles and issues are important because we can’t let go of whatever China or some of the world’s leaders say. If you don’t respond accurately, people think Tibetans are then just accepting the situation,” said Choesang.

The book addresses myriad issues from Tibet’s natural resources and keeping Tibetan culture alive within younger generations to the effect of the world economy on human rights. One of the most important themes for Choesang is that of immortalizing those who have sacrificed for Tibet. “There are many Tibetans who have lost their lives under the Chinese gun. It is important to remind younger generations and the world of their sacrifice, of these events, and the history of Tibet,” said Choesang.

Choesang believes that, to a certain extent, many countries who have the power to act have been forced recently to choose between

By Tracey Son: December 08 , 2014

Dharamshala: - Two Tibetan representatives are currently attending the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference in Peru to raise environmental issues such as the impact of climate change on the Tibetan Plateau.

Zamlha Tempa Gyaltsen, an environmental research fellow at the Tibet Policy Institute and Dorji Kyi, an environmental activist of Tibetan Women’s Association are participating at the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference, known as the Conference of the Parties or COP20 in Lima, Peru.

The COP20 was organised by the UNFCCC and hosted by the Government of Peru; it is being held from 1 to 12 December. More than one thousand government delegates, researchers, activists and scientists from around 190 countries are participating in the conference.

Tibetan representatives have participated in the past UN Climate conferences such as 2009 COP15 in Copenhagen, Denmark; 2011 COP17 in Durban, South Africa; 2012 COP 18 in Doha, Qatar; 2012 Rio+20 Earth Summit in Brazil and 2013 COP19

The Front and Back Cover of the English language book, “Voice of An Exiled Tibetan.” Credit: TPI

Dorji Kyid and Tempa Gyaltsen during the UN Climate Change Conference in Lima, Peru. Photo: TPI

in Warsaw, Poland.

The two Tibetan representatives are attending the conference to raise social-environmental issues such as

Tibetan delegation meets Taiwanese Parliamentarians in Taipei

By Keary Huang: 08 December 2014

Taipei: - A Tibetan Parliamentary delegation led

by Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam met with members of the Taiwanese Parliament in Taipei on Monday (December 8, 2014).

The Tibetan delegation met with Chen Chiehju and Hsiao Bi-khim, members of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan. The delegation spoke about the current situation in Tibet and the reasons that led over 130 Tibetans to self-immolate in protest against Chinese repressive rule in Tibet.

Briefing the Taiwanese parliamentarians about the critical situation inside Tibet, the delegation also stressed the need to enhance contacts between Taiwan and the Tibetan people.

During the discussions, they also spoke about the silver jubilee celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize and about the “Taiwan-Tibet Exchange Foundation”its challenges and future operation, include providing chances for the exiled Tibetans with learning opportunity in the country.

The foundation was established in 2003, when Chen Shui-bian was President of Taiwan, to promote exchanges between Taiwan and the Central Tibetan Administration in various fields, including tourism, education, human rights and humanitarian assistance.

The delegation also paid a visit to three Buddhist center and Tibetan community in Taipei. In recent years, Tibetan Buddhism has become very popular in Taiwan and the Taipei area alone boasts more than fifty centers.

The delegation is accompanied by Ven Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, the deputy speaker of Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Mr Karma Yeshi, MP, Ven Mokru Tenpa, MP, Gyari Butuk, MP, and Mr Kalsang Gyaltsen, MP. A parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Penpa Tsering also visited Taiwan earlier this year to create awareness about the critical situation inside Tibet and garner international support to resolve the issue of Tibet.

the impact of climate change on the Tibetan landscape, the forceful removal of Tibetan nomads, polluting and damming of Tibetan rivers, the impact of destructive mining in Tibet under Chinese rule, and the global significance of the Tibetan Plateau.

The COP is the biggest environmental conference organised by the UN to specifically deal with the impacts of climate change and help find solutions to mitigate future burdens. Next year or the COP21 will be held in Paris where they anticipate to sign some of the most important agreements.

According to recent media reports, Tibet is facing a double-whammy of disasters and also getting warmer and wetter, just as rampant population growth is creating pollution problems. The combination threatens to destroy fragile ecosystems and disrupt life for billions of people across Asia.

Researchers found that around the 15,000-foot-high Tibetan Plateau, average temperatures have soared by 0.4 degrees Celsius (.72 degrees Fahrenheit) per decade (twice the average of the warming globe), while precipitation has risen by 12 percent since 1960.

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Mr Penpa Tsering, the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile inaugurating the new book “Voice of An Exiled Tibetan” on His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 10 December 2014. Photo: TPI

economical and human rights issues.

“The economies of many countries who once prospered are suffering; China is economically strong, and unfortunately, many countries are choosing the economy over human rights and values,” Choesang said. “Yet, so many people sacrifice for human rights and democracy, and that’s why these things should remain important to them. Their reaction should not be this way because younger generations are watching them. It’s not a good idea to lead that way.”

As the editor of TPI, Choesang is hoping TPI to reach international media standards, to remain unbiased, transparent, and to hold members of the Tibetan community and Tibet support groups more accountable.

“One of the most important points of the book is that we may have different viewpoints, but we’re also trying to be a very open and democratic society,” Choesang said.

Publishing articles like those in the TPI and in ‘Voice of an Exiled Tibetan’ is a key element to maintaining and promoting those democratic principles.

While Choesang’s dream has been to create a world history book translated into Tibetan, he believes that spreading the voice of Tibetans must be his priority; thus, “Voice of an Exiled Tibetan” came to be–to continue shedding light on the daily struggles faced by Tibetans for the past halfcentury. Choesang’s book will be available soon at most bookstores in Mcleodganj, and information will be posted on TPI’s website on how to purchase a copy online.